Studying Culture: A Practical Introduction

By Judy Giles, Timothy Middleton, Tim Middleton

Book Overview

Fully revised and updated, this second edition is an ideal introduction for those who are new to the study of culture. Featuring global case studies, selections of readings, exercises, and commentary throughout, it spans the subject from issues of identity through to technological trends. Explores key issues and theories on identities, representation, histories, places, and spaces, discussing the various interpretations of culture and cultural studies Incorporates new work on the study of space, place, identity, gender, and cultural history, as well as new sections on cultural studies theories and methodology in each chapter Introduces more complex issues including high and popular culture, subjectivities, consumption, and new technologies, and a fully updated section on new and enduring trends in technology and culture

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405155922
• ISBN13: 9781405155922
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

what makes culture ?

Culture can be such a vague and sweeping thing that a student often needs assistance in pinning down what exactly it might be. Giles and Middleton offer good advice. You can look for example at a group that shares a historical experience, possibly with religious associations. As in the Jewish or Armenian diaspora. This idea of a common history is perhaps the strongest attribute of many cultures. But other characteristics are also looked at. One might merely be geographic proximity. Here, the book glances at the megalopolis of Los Angeles and the numerous neighbourhoods that could often be of distinctive nature. Then there is the notion of high culture as contrasted to popular or mass culture. The Hollywood celebrity scene is the best known example of the latter, especially in a global sense.